Today’s Readings:
Acts 1:15-17,20-26
Psalm 113:1-8
John 15:9-17
God chose you and gave you gifts. But what are these gifts and how do you put them into practice? We are to reflect on how God has called us in baptism and gifted us so that we are effective disciples, building up the body of Christ. Jesus says, “You did not choose me: no, I chose you; and I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last; and then the Father will give you anything you ask him in my name” (John 15:15,16).
God calls each of us in Baptism and endows us with three kinds of graces:
Sanctifying grace —this renders the individual holy or pleasing in God’s sight.
Graces of state of life —these are given to enable us to serve God and find joy and peace in our different states of life (single, married or consecrated).
Gifts of ministry —also called “charisms” or “gratuitous grace” are gifts given to us by God to be given to others.
Thomas Aquinas says, “Gratuitous grace is ordained to this, namely, that man may help another to be led to God.”
Today, the four most desired gifts of ministry or charism are:
Gift of speaking in strange tongues (Glossolalia, Acts 2:3) — it is the most controversial gift because it is often associated with members of other Churches. Contrary to this opinion, the gift of tongues has always been in the Church. Some saints spoke in tongues. Those who exercise this gift should always remember the advice of scripture that everything should be done properly and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Gift of Preaching (1 Corinthians 14:1-3) — What makes preaching a prophetic event is the message, conviction, power and authority with which the homily is delivered. Preaching is different from ordinary speech because it is spoken in wisdom, it opens human hearts, reveals what is hidden in them, and moves them to repentance and a fresh knowledge of self and God.
Gift of Healing and Miracles (Acts 5:12,14) — A miracle is an extraordinary event, perceptible to the senses, produced by God (a sign of the supernatural). A person who does not believe in God does not see miracles, only natural things. Miracles correct situations which cannot be done by natural means. They support and increase faith and serve as God’s approval on a person’s preaching ministry.
Gifts of wisdom and knowledge — a wise person possesses qualities of clear thinking, careful judgement, tact, understanding, prudence, foresight and knowledge. Natural wisdom is acquired by study and experience. Supernatural wisdom is penetrating insight into supernatural truths with the aid of the Holy Spirit (Luke 21:25).
The Pentecost event reveals to us that the Holy Spirit comes to the Church with a variety of gifts. He gives one person a message full of wisdom, while to another the same spirit gives faith, to another person He gives the power to work miracles (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). At the heart of the different gifts which the Spirit confers on us is service —our gifts are meant for service to others. The gifts you have are not given to you because you have begged God to submit to do so. He distributes the gifts as he wishes (1 Corinthians 12:11). May the Holy Spirit grant you loyalty in following the Risen Christ and faithfulness in the use of your gifts.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, help me to discover and harness your gifts to me.
Help me find joy and fulfilment in using my gifts to serve others.
Do not allow selfishness, disappointments or shortcomings to hinder the effective use of my gifts, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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